US6863614B2 - Shunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems - Google Patents
Shunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6863614B2 US6863614B2 US10/428,052 US42805203A US6863614B2 US 6863614 B2 US6863614 B2 US 6863614B2 US 42805203 A US42805203 A US 42805203A US 6863614 B2 US6863614 B2 US 6863614B2
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- inner shaft
- shaft
- torsion
- outer sleeve
- torsion shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C3/00—Shafts; Axles; Cranks; Eccentrics
- F16C3/02—Shafts; Axles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D6/00—Arrangements for automatically controlling steering depending on driving conditions sensed and responded to, e.g. control circuits
- B62D6/08—Arrangements for automatically controlling steering depending on driving conditions sensed and responded to, e.g. control circuits responsive only to driver input torque
- B62D6/10—Arrangements for automatically controlling steering depending on driving conditions sensed and responded to, e.g. control circuits responsive only to driver input torque characterised by means for sensing or determining torque
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D2300/00—Special features for couplings or clutches
- F16D2300/18—Sensors; Details or arrangements thereof
Definitions
- non-contact torque sensors as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,544, disclose a sensor comprising a torque carrying member, with an appropriately ferromagnetic and magnetoelastic surface, two axially distinct circumferential bands within the member that are endowed with respectively symmetrical, helically directed residual stress induced magnetic anisotropy, and a magnetic discriminator device for detecting, without contacting the torqued member, differences in the response of the two bands to equal, axial magnetizing forces.
- magnetization and sensing are accomplished by providing a pair of excitation or magnetizing coils overlying and surrounding the bands, with the coils connected in series and driven by alternating current.
- Torque is sensed using a pair of oppositely connected sensing coils for measuring a difference signal resulting from the fluxes of the two bands.
- torque transducers have been developed based on the principle of measuring the field arising from the torque induced tilting of initially circumferential remanent magnetizations. These transducers utilize a thin wall ring or collar serving as the field generating element. Tensile “hoop” stress in the ring, associated with the means of its attachment to the shaft carrying the torque being measured, establishes a dominant, circumferentially directed, uniaxial anisotropy. Upon the application of torsional stress to the shaft, the magnetization reorients and becomes increasingly helical as torsional stress increases. The helical magnetization resulting from torsion has both a circumferential component and an axial component, the magnitude of the axial component depending entirely on the torsion.
- One or more magnetic field vector sensors sense the magnitude and polarity of the field arising, as a result of the applied torque, in the space about the transducer and provides a signal output reflecting the signed magnitude of the torque.
- the stability of the “torque-to-field” transfer function of the transducer under rigorous conditions of use reflects the efficiency of uniaxial anisotropy in stabilizing circular polarizations. This anisotropy, together with the spatially closed nature of the quiescent polarization, is also the basis of an immunity from polarization loss in relatively large fields.
- either the underlying shaft, or a sleeve that is placed between the shaft and the ring is generally fabricated from a paramagnetic material.
- the peak allowable torque in a ring sensor is limited by slippage at the ring/shaft interface
- concerns have been expressed regarding distortion arising from slippage at the ring/shaft interface under conditions of torque overload.
- a torsion shaft for a vehicle.
- This torsion shaft includes an elongated inner shaft, and an outer sleeve attached to the inner shaft which fits over the inner shaft.
- a torsion cap is further attached to the inner shaft and outer sleeve.
- a torsion shaft for a vehicle.
- This torsion shaft includes an elongated inner shaft, and an outer casing attached over said inner shaft.
- a torsion cap is attached to the inner shaft and the outer casing.
- a method of making a torsion shaft for a vehicle An inner shaft and an outer sleeve are provided, and the outer sleeve is magnetized. The inner shaft is inserted into the outer sleeve, and the inner shaft and outer sleeve are joined together.
- FIG. 1A is a diagram of the torsion shaft of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional diagram of the torsion shaft of an embodiment of the present invention, taken along the indicated plane of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of the torsion shaft of an embodiment of the present invention containing an internal magnetic field sensor.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the torsion shaft of the present invention.
- FIG. 1A is a diagram of a torsion shaft of the present invention.
- a torsion cap 12 is attached to the assembled shaft 10 at one end.
- the assembled shaft 10 and torsion cap 12 may be of any shape, but are of the same outward shape to facilitate attachment, in one embodiment.
- the shaft 10 and the torsion cap 12 are generally cylindrical.
- the torsion cap 12 may be attached to the assembled shaft 10 by any means now known or later developed.
- the torsion cap 12 is attached to the assembled shaft 10 by inserting a pin in pinholes created in the assembled shaft 10 and torsion cap 12 .
- the ends of the assembled shaft 10 and the torsion cap 12 may be of any shape that will ensure a secure connection with other rotating parts in the vehicle.
- the end pieces 11 and 13 may have grooves, as at 11 , so as to slide into another receiving part, or may have threads, as at 13 , so as to facilitate a connection with a gear or other rotating device.
- Other shapes now known or, later developed may be used.
- FIG. 1B is a cross-section of FIG. 1A , taken along the indicated double-arrowed plane. From this cross-sectional view, the two layers of the assembled shaft 10 can be seen.
- the assembled shaft 10 comprises an inner shaft 14 and an outer sleeve 16 .
- the inner shaft 14 is made from any non-ferromagnetic metal.
- the inner shaft 14 is made from a stainless steel.
- the inner shaft 14 may also be of any shape, such as a cylindrical shape.
- the inner shaft 14 may also be a solid shape or a hollow shape.
- the shape of the inner shaft 14 may be dictated by weight, material, or design concerns.
- the outer sleeve 16 is made from any magnetoelastic metal, such as a T250 steel.
- the outer sleeve 16 may be of any shape, but is of the same shape as the inner shaft 14 in one embodiment, so that the outer sleeve 16 can easily fit over the inner shaft 14 .
- both the inner shaft 14 and outer sleeve 16 are cylindrical in shape.
- the outer sleeve 16 is no longer or larger than the inner shaft 14 . For example, it is shorter than the inner shaft in one embodiment.
- the end 11 of the assembled shaft 10 is located on this inner shaft 14 for connection to rotating parts of the vehicle.
- the radius of the outer sleeve 16 is at least as large as that of the inner shaft 14 .
- the outer sleeve 16 thereby fits over the inner shaft 14 .
- the radius of the outer sleeve 16 is slightly larger than that of the inner shaft 14 , so as to create a gap 18 .
- the gap 18 between the outer sleeve 16 and the inner shaft 14 is about 1 mm in a radial direction in one embodiment.
- the inner shaft 14 may contain a radial groove 19 designed to help further define and deepen the gap 18 .
- the outer sleeve 16 is attached to the inner shaft 14 , such as by welding or other now known or later developed techniques. For example, a laser welding technique is used.
- the outer sleeve 16 may be welded to the inner shaft 14 at any desired point along the assembled shaft 10 , or directly to the torsion cap 12 . In one embodiment, the welding occurs at the first end 20 and second end 22 of the outer sleeve 16 , while the remainder of the outer sleeve 16 is not welded.
- the gap 18 between the outer sleeve 16 and the inner shaft 14 may thereby be created and maintained.
- the gap 18 improves fault detection.
- the outer sleeve 16 is designed to fail when a certain predetermined amount of torsion is placed on the assembled shaft 10 .
- the thickness of the outer sleeve 16 , the metal used in making the outer sleeve 16 , or the production parameters for the outer sleeve 16 is varied or selected for failure.
- the predetermined torsion level of failure may be set just below the failure torsion level for the inner shaft 14 , at a critical torsion level to maintain system integrity, or at any other such warning level. Under this embodiment, the outer sleeve 16 fails when that predetermined torsion level is reached. The vehicle can then be shut down before higher torsion levels are attained, avoiding more severe damage to the inner shaft 14 , the assembled shaft 10 , or the vehicle.
- Magnetic field sensors such as Hall sensors or Flux Gate sensors, may be used to measure the magnetic field. Typically, these sensors are placed on the surface of the assembled shaft 10 or a short distance away. A magnetic field sensor may also be placed inside the assembled shaft 10 .
- FIG. 2 shows an assembled shaft 10 , of a hollow shape, which contains a magnetic field sensor 24 .
- the magnetic field sensor 24 is positioned along a central axis 25 of the torsion shaft.
- the magnetic field sensor 24 may be attached within the assembled shaft 10 by any of various now known or later developed techniques. For example, a pin hole is created through the torsion cap 12 , inner shaft 14 , and magnetic field sensor 24 , and a pin 26 is used to hold the components together.
- FIG. 3 shows a three-part torsion shaft for use in an EPAS system.
- This three-part torsion shaft comprises an outer casing 26 .
- This outer casing is hollow.
- the inner shaft 14 a here called an inner transducer shaft, is located within the outer casing 28 .
- the inner shaft 14 a may be connected to the outer casing 28 via welding, a pin through the outer casing 28 , inner shaft 14 a and the torsion cap 12 a , or by any now known or later developed method.
- the inner shaft 14 a is made of a magnetoelastic material, such as T250 steel.
- the outer casing 28 is made of non-ferromagnetic material, such as a stainless steel.
- the inner shaft 14 a is a collar or collarless magnetoelastic transducer.
- the outer casing 28 is a magnetically transparent member, which engages with the torsion cap 12 a at a predetermined angle re-directing or shunting the torsion load around inner shaft 14 a.
Abstract
Description
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/428,052 US6863614B2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2003-05-01 | Shunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/428,052 US6863614B2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2003-05-01 | Shunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040219984A1 US20040219984A1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
US6863614B2 true US6863614B2 (en) | 2005-03-08 |
Family
ID=33310312
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/428,052 Expired - Fee Related US6863614B2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2003-05-01 | Shunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US6863614B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040216533A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-04 | Visteon Global Technologies Inc. | Unshunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems |
US20100147619A1 (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-17 | Delphi Technologies Inc. | Methods and systems involving electromagnetic torsion bars |
US11499611B2 (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2022-11-15 | R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. | Coupled steering gear shaft |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1612321A (en) * | 1923-06-26 | 1926-12-28 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Torsion shaft |
US3648483A (en) * | 1970-06-01 | 1972-03-14 | Gen Electric | Overload friction coupling |
US4273207A (en) * | 1978-09-05 | 1981-06-16 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Supporting pipe to constitute a drive unit for an automotive vehicle |
US4704918A (en) * | 1985-02-19 | 1987-11-10 | Kamatics Corporation | Composite material force or motion transmitting member |
US4791269A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1988-12-13 | Herr Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Method of fabricating a spline drive |
US5009110A (en) * | 1987-02-03 | 1991-04-23 | Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen, Ag. | Torque sensor, in particular for electric steering mechanism |
US5052232A (en) | 1986-12-05 | 1991-10-01 | Mag Dev Inc. | Magnetoelastic torque transducer |
US5907105A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 1999-05-25 | General Motors Corporation | Magnetostrictive torque sensor utilizing RFe2 -based composite materials |
US6047605A (en) | 1997-10-21 | 2000-04-11 | Magna-Lastic Devices, Inc. | Collarless circularly magnetized torque transducer having two phase shaft and method for measuring torque using same |
US6360841B1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2002-03-26 | Trw Inc. | Power steering mechanism with magnetoelastic torsion bar |
US20020198075A1 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2002-12-26 | Prucher Bryan Paul | Two piece axle shaft |
US6520274B1 (en) * | 2000-04-25 | 2003-02-18 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Modular electric steering gear assembly |
-
2003
- 2003-05-01 US US10/428,052 patent/US6863614B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1612321A (en) * | 1923-06-26 | 1926-12-28 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Torsion shaft |
US3648483A (en) * | 1970-06-01 | 1972-03-14 | Gen Electric | Overload friction coupling |
US4273207A (en) * | 1978-09-05 | 1981-06-16 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Supporting pipe to constitute a drive unit for an automotive vehicle |
US4704918A (en) * | 1985-02-19 | 1987-11-10 | Kamatics Corporation | Composite material force or motion transmitting member |
US5052232A (en) | 1986-12-05 | 1991-10-01 | Mag Dev Inc. | Magnetoelastic torque transducer |
US5009110A (en) * | 1987-02-03 | 1991-04-23 | Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen, Ag. | Torque sensor, in particular for electric steering mechanism |
US4791269A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1988-12-13 | Herr Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Method of fabricating a spline drive |
US5907105A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 1999-05-25 | General Motors Corporation | Magnetostrictive torque sensor utilizing RFe2 -based composite materials |
US6047605A (en) | 1997-10-21 | 2000-04-11 | Magna-Lastic Devices, Inc. | Collarless circularly magnetized torque transducer having two phase shaft and method for measuring torque using same |
US6260423B1 (en) | 1997-10-21 | 2001-07-17 | Ivan J. Garshelis | Collarless circularly magnetized torque transducer and method for measuring torque using same |
US6360841B1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2002-03-26 | Trw Inc. | Power steering mechanism with magnetoelastic torsion bar |
US6520274B1 (en) * | 2000-04-25 | 2003-02-18 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Modular electric steering gear assembly |
US20020198075A1 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2002-12-26 | Prucher Bryan Paul | Two piece axle shaft |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
I.J. Garshelis et al, A Torque Transducer Based on Local Bands of Naturally Stabilized Remanent Circumferential Magnetization, Journal of Applied Physics, 85:5468-70 (1999). |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040216533A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-04 | Visteon Global Technologies Inc. | Unshunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems |
US7055399B2 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2006-06-06 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Unshunted collarless torsion shaft for electronic power-assisted steering systems |
US20100147619A1 (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-17 | Delphi Technologies Inc. | Methods and systems involving electromagnetic torsion bars |
US8528686B2 (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2013-09-10 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Methods and systems involving electromagnetic torsion bars |
US11499611B2 (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2022-11-15 | R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. | Coupled steering gear shaft |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20040219984A1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VIOLA, JEFFREY L.;REEL/FRAME:014040/0254 Effective date: 20030430 |
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Owner name: TEDRIVE HOLDING B.V., INC., NETHERLANDS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021669/0774 Effective date: 20080710 |
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Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, TEXAS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022368/0001 Effective date: 20060814 Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,TEXAS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022368/0001 Effective date: 20060814 |
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FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
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REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
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FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20170308 |